India is set to make chess history by hosting the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 from October 30 to November 27, marking its return to the country after a 23-year hiatus since the 2002 event in Hyderabad. The host city is yet to be announced, but anticipation is soaring as India prepares to showcase its chess prowess on the global stage. This prestigious tournament, featuring a thrilling single-elimination knockout format, will bring together 206 players—112 in the Open section and 94 in the Women’s section—for a month of high-stakes battles.
The Chess World Cup’s format is as intense as it is captivating. Each round consists of two classical games played over two days, with tie-breaks—rapid and blitz games—deciding the outcome on the third day if scores are level. This structure ensures edge-of-the-seat excitement, as players must combine strategic depth with quick thinking to advance. The stakes are monumental: the top three finishers in both the Open and Women’s sections will earn direct qualification to the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament, the gateway to challenging for the World Chess Championship title.
Expect a star-studded lineup, with India’s chess titans leading the charge. Reigning world champion D Gukesh, 2023 runner-up R Praggnanandhaa, and world number five Arjun Erigaisi are confirmed to compete. The event may also see participation from global icon Magnus Carlsen, the 2023 champion, adding to the tournament’s allure. Players qualify through diverse pathways, including the top 13 rated players (based on June 2025 FIDE ratings), continental championships, the top 100 federations from the 2024 Chess Olympiad, and nominations by the FIDE President and event organisers.
India’s selection as host underscores its rising dominance in global chess. The nation’s recent milestones, including the successful 2022 Chess Olympiad and Gukesh’s historic 2024 World Championship victory, have cemented its reputation as a chess powerhouse. With a passionate fanbase and a growing number of grandmasters, India is poised to make the 2025 World Cup a landmark event. FIDE plans to enhance the experience with engaging side events, such as simultaneous exhibitions, chess clinics, and fan interactions, ensuring the tournament resonates beyond the board.
As the chess world turns its eyes to India, the 2025 Chess World Cup promises to be a celebration of strategy, skill, and sportsmanship. With the nation’s rich chess culture and a lineup of the game’s brightest stars, this event is set to captivate audiences and inspire the next generation of players.
